What Are Some Symptoms Relating to Blood Clots?

Symptoms of blood clots depend on where the clots are and include redness, tenderness and swelling at the location, according to MedicineNet.com. Pain and redness are other indications of a blood clot, but in some situations, a clot produces no symptoms until it ruptures or travels to another location.

In the case of an arterial blood clot, pain in the affected area is often the first sign, says MedicineNet.com. With a coronary artery clot, symptoms are often chest pain and the corresponding indicators of a heart attack, such as nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, arm pain and upper-back pain. A brain clot sometimes leads to a stroke, which produces varying symptoms. A blood clot in the limbs could lead to pallor, a loss of feeling in the affected areas and even paralysis. If a person has a clot in his intestinal arteries, pain and diarrhea serve as two possible warning signs.

A doctor diagnoses a blood clot via a history, examination and imaging test, says MedicineNet.com. Surgery or medications help treat the clots, causes of which include some heart conditions and medications, smoking, being immobile for too long, and pregnancy. Some inherited conditions also cause blood clots.

Walking and being active are two ways to prevent blood clots, says Everyday Health. Ankle circles, leg raises and shoulder rolls are three common exercises people can do.